Product Care

 

Glossary

The following is a glossary of jewellery terms that you will come across on our site:

  • Gold-Filled: Gold-filled jewellery refers to a solid layer of  gold (normally 14K) bonded to a base metal (usually brass) with heat and pressure. With normal wear, gold-filled jewellery should last many years without obvious signs of wear or tarnishing.
  • Gold Vermeil: Gold vermeil is sterling silver that has been gold-plated. Gold vermeil and gold-filled differ in the thickness of the gold and the base metal used. The standard is for the gold plating for vermeil to be much thicker than ordinary plating
  • Gold/Platinum/Silver Plated: This refers to the process of plating jewellery made of a non-precious base metal (zinc, nickel, copper) with a thin layer of gold, platinum or silver, which is usually deposited via electroplating. For gold plated pieces, compared to gold-filled and gold vermeil jewellery, the gold plate is thinner.
  • Sterling Silver: This is a mixture of pure silver and another metal, usually copper. The resulting alloy gives the silver strength. The standard is at least 92.5% silver (hence the .925 stamp you see on some items).
  • Lucite: Lucite is the trademarked name for a type of thermoplastic acrylic resin. It is essentially a plastic that mirrors the properties of plastic and glass and has the clarity of glass. It is heavier in “feel” as compared to traditional plastics and is of very high quality. The US company DuPont Corp. commenced commercial production of 'Lucite' in 1936. At the same time, another company named Rohm & Haas licensed the process under the trademark 'Plexiglas'. Production of costume jewellery using Lucite began in 1940 as it was more cost effective to produce in comparison to Bakelite. Vintage lucite jewellery from the 50s and 60s is becoming very popular amongst collectors due to its high quality, wide colour range and unique designs.

 

Jewellery Care

Detailed below are tips on keeping your jewellery looking its sparkling best:

  • Gold-Filled:  Gold-filled jewellery does not tarnish. It can be cleaned similar to 14K gold, using gentle dishwashing liquid and an old, soft  toothbrush. Rinse well and leave to air dry on a towel.
  • Gold Vermeil/Gold Plated/Platinum Plated: Gold vermeil, gold-plated and platinum plated jewellery should not be machine polished as this process can wear away the plated layer. In addition, do not use chemical cleaners or silver polishing cloths as these may cause scratches. The gentlest way to clean is to rinse the plating in warm water and gentle dishwashing liquid. Rinse well and leave to air dry on a towel.
  • Sterling Silver: Sterling silver jewellery needs to be cleaned often to keep it bright and shiny, as over time it will tarnish and become dull. Tarnishing is the natural process of a metal oxidising, reacting with oxygen in the air and changing colour. A liquid silver cleaner or a silver jewellery polishing cloth can be used. Do not use liquid silver cleaner on jewellery with stones. An easy way to clean the piece at home is to use toothpaste. Coat the silver in toothpaste, then run it under warm water and work it into a foam. Rinse well and leave to air dry on a towel. For stubborn stains use a soft toothbrush. Avoid contact with stones as toothpaste may damage them.

 

General Tips

  • When not in use, all jewellery should be stored in an anti-tarnish jewellery pouch or zip lock bag within an air tight jewellery box.
  • You should avoid wearing your jewellery in the bath, shower or when swimming.
  • Apply all hair product, especially hair spray before you put on the jewellery.
  • When putting away jewellery after it has been worn, take a few minutes to polish it with a 100% cotton lint free cloth to remove any oils and residue. Do not use paper towels or tissues as this may scratch the surface.